sets 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of set
1
as in spawns
to cover and warm eggs as the young inside develop the hen set for days

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Relevance
2
3
4
as in sits
chiefly dialect to rest on the buttocks or haunches come over and set for a spell

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

5
as in aims
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal determined to see the West, she set her car towards the sun and drove off

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sets

2 of 2

noun

plural of set
1
as in factions
a group of people acting together within a larger group the younger set is less likely to volunteer for the church's annual rummage sale

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2
3
4
5
as in decors
the array of painted backgrounds and furnishings used to establish the setting in a stage production built sets for the play

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sets
Verb
That sets the 2020s apart, as every other decade over the past hundred years has produced at least one midterm that made a big difference in Congress and in national politics more broadly. — Ron Elving, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026 What truly sets it apart, however, is its metal rollerball applicator. — Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2026 The hybrid running and lifestyle shoe sets a sporty mix of mesh and suede atop EVA foam and a stabilizing framework. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 Though his stage presence could easily veer into a machismo-heavy persona, Robles sets himself apart in comedy by being the opposite. — Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 What sets Free People apart, though, is its range of colors, textures, and washes. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 21 Oct. 2026 Continue reading … TEHRAN'S DEMANDS — Iran sets new hurdle for negotiations with demand US must meet first. — FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026 The film—based on the 2014 play Switzerland by Joanna Murray-Smith—sets a fictional scene in the final chapter of Highsmith’s life. — Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026 Fundraising is a huge part of what sets the presidential candidates apart from one another. — Jacob Brogan, Vox, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
The two acts on the bill that got full mini-sets prior to Aerosmith’s appearance were the Black Crowes and Guns N’ Roses, each of whom devoted either most or all of their time on stage to covering the headliner. — Chris Willman, Variety, 30 Oct. 2026 The Star Trek sets were small, especially compared with TV several decades later. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026 This gives several sets of interest groups an opportunity to use the FCC’s public review and approval process to advocate for federal limits on space technologies. — Max Harden, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026 The schools split the 16 singles sets (each worth one point). — Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 No-brainer options included handsome denims with a curving leg and neo-suiting playing on mixing rather than matching sets. — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026 The event that has grown from a one-day block party in 2019 will also feature sets from Grace Ives, Caroline Rose, Porches, Westside Cowboy, Ratboys, Lip Critic and Current Joys, among others. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2026 Both sets of commissioners unanimously approved his new salary at their individual board meetings. — Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026 This marks the Heat’s first of 13 back-to-back sets this season. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sets
Verb
  • Slop spawns, and Waymo’s artificially intelligent cars hum into view like two-ton rolling Rorschach tests.
    — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Molluscum is caused by a virus and spawns the pimple-like bumps.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The parent may still be in contact with the adult child, McLaughlin said, but the child no longer chooses to share parts of their life directly.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026
  • But Thomas chooses Vision’s side, and finally defends his dream-dad instead of blaming him.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • This is the signature of a player who values the weight of every minute spent on the court.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Ultron values his ability to hide his loyalties and sees it as cheeky.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • New international airports seek to lure new visitors Ilulissat, known as the City of Icebergs, sits along the island’s western coast and is home to some 5,000 people.
    — James Brooks, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The stock stalled right there in early October before clearing it on the 12th, so old resistance became support, and the rising 50-day sits at the same spot.
    — Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • By increasing its manufacturing capacity, the company aims to strengthen its ability to deliver advanced systems to customers.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The florist, which aims to open in late November, will specialize in seasonal floral arrangements and specialty bouquets.
    — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Lakshmana decides to interrupt the meeting, accepting his own destruction rather than endangering Ayodhya and Rama’s household.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • As day one of the sale winds down, Ingordo decides to switch things up.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • If all that happens, Miami secures its bid with two weeks left in the regular season.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Developed at Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Corona Division, the Submunition Clip mechanically secures explosive components during explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) operations.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Pie dough freezes beautifully too, and takes up very little space in the freezer.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2026
  • During an intraoperative evaluation, a pathologist rapidly freezes, slices and analyzes a tissue sample while the patient is still on the operating table to provide the surgical team with immediate feedback.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sets. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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